SoCal Theologica: Theological Musings from the West Coast

I have taken your suggestion to read the Watkins material on this link you provided.

This, of course, raises an interesting question that I’ve been discussing in one of my courses. In following your link, I read many interesting remarks of Pullman’s including, “Anyway, these people, it was plain had horizons that wide [hands close together]. They didn’t read anything other than Christian books; they didn’t listen to anything other than Christian music; they had no idea of the wider world. There was not a mention of anything other than Christian missions in Africa - that was the sole extent of their interest in the outside world. I knew from talking to this chap in the office above the betting shop that every attitude they had was filtered through several layers of what the Christian church would approve of before it got to you.” (from the 2nd link on that page, the interview)

So, here’s my question. What is the threshold for Christians to read literature like this? Perhaps, there are some people who shouldn’t read this sort of thing (people who are too young to appreciate it, any perhaps some who do not want to contribute to the author’s income), and there are some who should (people who want to understand how “the world” thinks, people who can separate entertainment from philosophy effectively, etc.).

From a pastoral or theological point of view, what should the Christian do with what appears to be highly entertaining and influential works of fiction, which not only do not seek to glorify Christ, but actively seek to undermine his glory?

My opinion is that almost all Christians have freedom to read this kind of book, though it’s obviously not a moral imperative. To my thinking, if your Christian walk is so weak as to be endangered by Grocery Store fiction, then your dedication may not have been so sincere to begin with. Also, if Christians take a stand for financial reasons, they must be careful never to leave their homes for risk of giving money to atheists, cultists, and others who undoubtedly run most of the world’s multinational conglomerates.

Just interested in what you think. Thanks!

Thanks for posting Mike. Always good to hear from you.

I would concur with your opinion. All Christians are free but all Christians need to exercise prudence in their approach to literature, as well as a whole host of other categories.

Pullman’s criticisms of Christianity may right but only in part. He seems to fall into the fallacy of mistaking part of the truth for the whole truth. I have heard that Al Mohler posted a good response to Pullman on his blog. Maybe you should check that out as well.

Thanks again,

Mooney